The House System

Detillens, Foyles, Grants,Stocketts, Tenchleys

house identity and ethos at oxted school

Background
Oxted School is a large school and the House system plays a key role in helping students feel part of a smaller community. Students will get a feeling of belonging through the opportunities he/she will be given to contribute and take part in House competitions. The House team will get to know the students very quickly and provide any support.

The House system has existed at Oxted School since 1929 when the school first opened. Originally there were four Houses: Detillens, Foyles, Grants and Tenchleys. As Oxted's success grew and the school became more popular a fifth House was needed and Stocketts was created in 1965.

five local manors, five school houses

Detillens House this was a large manor house originally timber-framed with plaster panels; it was modernised in the early C18

Foyles Farmhouse now a Grade II listed building

Grants House a Grade II listed building. Built C16 with C19 alterations. Timber-framed on stone and brick plinth

Stocketts Manor the estate is now represented by the farm called Stocketts

Tenchleys Manor a Grade II listed building which was erected initially in the Elizabethan period and modified by the Victorians

'Creating a strong sense of community'

The strong sense of community within each of the Houses fosters a sense of identity and belonging. Students and staff alike are justifiably proud of the achievements and progress of all of the members of their House.

Every student is a member of a tutor group within a House and tutors play a key role in supporting them throughout their school career. Heads of House and Deputy Heads of House promote the pursuit of excellence across all Year Groups monitoring progress, participation and attendance.

The House system actively promotes student responsibility, enabling young people to be prepared for the future as citizens who are confident in contributing to society. Students may sit on the Student Council, representing the views of their House community or may become tutor prefects or pupil mentors. Sixth Form students can take on roles such as House Captains and Vice Captains, providing strong role models for younger students.

Healthy competition is encouraged through the annual cycle of inter-house activities including sporting, musical, mathematical, literary and scientific competitions. Each year, through the careful collation of information regarding inter-house results, attendance, rewards and contributions to school life, a ‘Champion House’ is declared.

Rewards and public recognition of service to the school and community are a key part of the weekly House assemblies. Each House aims to celebrate the successes of all members of its community.